Paraprofessional, Life Skills

REPORTS TO:
Director of Special Education

POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Life Skills Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with significant cognitive, developmental, and/or physical needs. Working under the direction of a licensed teacher and special education administrators, the paraprofessional supports students in acquiring functional academics, independent living skills, social-emotional skills, and vocational readiness in classroom and community-based settings.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Adherence to safety practices in all tasks
• Proficient in operating standard office equipment and using relevant educational software applications
• Skilled in preparing and maintaining accurate records
• Skilled in reading manuals, writing documents in prescribed formats, and presenting information to others
• Capable of solving practical problems in various situations
• Knowledge of instructional procedures and practices
• Understanding of age-appropriate student activities
• Familiar with safety practices and procedures
• Knowledgeable about stages of child development and behavior
• Understanding of social-emotional learning principles
• Knowledge of board policies, district, state, and federal regulations/laws
• Ability to schedule activities and manage time effectively
• Skilled in gathering and collating data
• Proficient in using job-related equipment
• Capable of operating equipment using standardized methods
• Able to work with a wide diversity of individuals and groups
• Ability to adapt to changing work priorities
• Effective communication with diverse groups
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Able to work as part of a team
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Support and Instruction

• Support students in developing functional academic, organizational, behavioral, daily living, vocational, and social skills aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with direct instruction and reinforcement of classroom lessons including life skills
• Work with individual students and small groups to practice and generalize skills across settings.
• Implement instructional plans and accommodations as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Adapt materials and activities to meet diverse learning needs.
• Assist in crisis prevention and intervention services in a manner consistent with program policy
• Assist in the implementation of behavior management systems as established by the program

Classroom and School Environment

• Monitor student behavior and implement behavior intervention strategies as directed.
• Promote positive interactions and support students in developing appropriate social skills.
• Supervise students in the classroom and during passing periods, lunch, arrival/dismissal, field trips, and other non-classroom activities.
• Assist with maintaining an organized, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
• Operate and maintain instructional equipment and assistive technology.

Personal Care and Safety

• Assist students with personal care needs, including toileting, feeding, mobility, and hygiene, in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Support students with physical positioning, lifting, and transferring using appropriate safety…